Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in North America where indigenous peoples and later, eclectic physicians, used the root and rhizome to address urinary tract issues, including bladder infections (cystitis). The traditional rationale for hydrangea’s use is based on its purported diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, which were believed to help “wash out” the urinary system and soothe irritation. In some herbal compendiums from the 19th and early 20th centuries, hydrangea is listed as a remedy for gravel, kidney stones, and urinary tract discomfort, sometimes specifically mentioning its use for bladder infections.

Despite its traditional use, modern scientific validation is lacking. There are very few, if any, high-quality human clinical studies evaluating hydrangea’s efficacy or safety for treating bladder infections. Most available evidence remains anecdotal or derived from in vitro or animal studies, which may suggest some anti-inflammatory or diuretic effects, but do not directly support its use for bacterial infections of the bladder. Current clinical guidelines for urinary tract infections do not recognize hydrangea as a treatment. Therefore, while the herb is used traditionally, the evidence supporting its use for bladder infections is weak (rated 1/5), and caution should be exercised until more definitive research is available.

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